Post by mikeyj on Feb 27, 2010 10:45:24 GMT

Hard to say depends on how good a hi-fi set up you have my arcam cd and amp are 25 years old so i may not be the best judge on this but what i can say is they all sound great to me just played MINSTREL IN THE GALLERY last night via my headphones and the sound was superb got me thinking when i was listening is this tulls finest album never thought this about MINSTREL before but somehow last night i did anyway its the music that counts and we all know tulls music is second to none roll on 28th march when i see ian and the boys in aberdeen

Post by mahoganyrush68 on Mar 10, 2010 10:48:34 GMT

tootull "Thick As A Brick" an absolutely outstanding 25th anniversary re-master with extra tracksand unfortunately the worst sounding one and Ian Anderson admitted "Aqualung" very poorsound, but as suggested it's what is inside the package,

Post by tootull on Mar 10, 2010 13:40:00 GMT

Hello, mahoganyrush68

Yes, I like the perfectly aggressive remaster of the Brick. I switch between it and the tamer MFSL gold CD. IMO there has not been a "bad" sounding release of The Brick on CD. The Aqualung remaster is most certainly the worst sounding release. (***Aqualung remaster wasn't all bad, see below)

*** Aqualung my friend...The DCC Aqualung CD is a thing of beauty. Just pointing out the other options.IMO these songs suck on the remaster:AqualungCross-Eyed MaryUp To MeMy GodHymn 43Locomotive Breath

***Aqualung"O.k., we have a great sounding DCC version mastered by our dear host Steve. Of course it sounds very nice, and it was the very first time this actual master tapes were used. What could you want more? Well, I personally think the Japan for Europe Chrysalis CD with catalog number 610 016-217 sounds more laid back and natural, and this version is actually my preferred version right now. O.k., I said it, now I need to go hiding..." by Roland

"Well, at the risk of jacking up the price of yet another old CD, here goes:

The original UK CD release of Aqualung (Chrysalis CCD-1044) is just fine.

It lacks the "solid feel" of Steve's DCC version, mind you (for a variety of reasons), but if you can't afford the DCC gold disc, and want a CD that sounds a like a lot of the LP versions available at that time (i.e.- it lives higher in the mid-range), then this is the disc that you're looking for.

I don't know what they did here in the US, but I don't think this disc exhibits **any** of the commonly-cited faults of the first American CD version: nothing appears to be clipped short, and there's no excessive hiss. It seems to be a totally separate mastering." -Kevin

For the best in sound Tull CD's -My view today:This Was - Mono remaster & in stereo the 2001 remasterStand Up - MFSL UDBenefit - USA original CDAqualung - DCC & not too shabby the UK Chrysalis CCD-1044.Living In The Past - MFSL UD II & not too shabby the single disc first USA CD (avoid the Canadian CD)Thick As A Brick - MFSL UDA Passion Play - MFSL UD IIWarChild - MFSL UD IIMinstrel In The Gallery - Made in Japan for UK Chrysalis (no matter the medium I've always found this recording to be too bright.)Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll - UK ChrysalisSongs From The Wood - MFSL UD IIHeavy Horses - RemasterStormwatch - RemasterA - RemasterThe Broadsword And The Beast - Made in W. Germany for UK Chrysalis ( a low volume transfer that shines at loud volume. Plus the remaster is fine by me.)Under Wraps - Made in W. Germany for UK ChrysalisCrest Of A Knave - RemasterRock Island - RemasterCatfish Rising - Original CDRoots To Branches - Original CD

***Speaking of Aqualung on CD, maybe what you were hearing wasn't all bad. Here's a couple of quotes that are positive about the remaster. I might agree with them on a good day. (keep it quiet) Plus the original Chrysalis CD UK CDP32 1044 of this is just fine.

Thanks to .....Greg Smith (link below)"I've always been a big fan of Mother Goose, and it's one of the few spots where the original Chrysalis CD sounds pretty good. Compared with the previous three tracks, this one has better dynamics and a big fat kick drum. The bass on the 25th anniversary edition is even better, and actually edges out even the DCC version by my taste".

"As we Wind Up the disc, we find (all join in) more quiet piano parts you can barely hear and fake guitar bodies. The 25th anniversary edition restores this music, it's quite nice. Surprisingly, the DCC release is still pretty noisy, and overall I actually prefer the anniversary version in both that area and how the guitars sound. Amazing, something to like about it just as we were nearing the end."www.soundstage.com/music/mus0997g.htm

This also works for CD only:Teacher #1 UK version is found on CD only on the 20 years box.Teacher #2 This is the most common form of TeacherTeacher #3 is remixed on Living In The PastTeacher #4 is remixed on the 25th box set Classic Songs Remixed.per pig whispererwww.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showpost.php?p=5259887&postcount=43

For future cut&paste: ;DCD versions of Teacher:Teacher #1 is found on CD only on the 20 years box.#2 - piano: left of center (between the bass and guitar) vocals: center and right guitar: left bass: center second guitar (that comes in at the vocal): right - found on North American Benefit#3 Living In The Past *MFSL CD (& remaster bonus track):piano: right vocals: center guitar: left bass: center second guitar (that comes in at the vocal): right#4 is remixed on the 25th box set Classic Songs Remixed

#2 CD & LP - USA Teacher on BenefitUS Teacher: Balance is noticeably different right off the bat with the USA Benefit mix. Keyboard left on original USA CD & LP.

#3 Keyboard right on MU, MFSL, Benefit Remaster, & 2CD The Best Of Jethro Tull Anniversary Collection Original Mixes

...and what have we learned from all of this Well, for one thing, Teacher on the Benefit LP & CD is really unique from the Living in the Past LP & CD & other comps.

Post by on Mar 24, 2011 14:01:33 GMT

I do wish Ian with his "must have a hand in everything" approach had left the remasters totally in someone elses hands. What passes on first listen for extra clarity on most of the remasters is actually (to my old ears anyway) simply too much treble! In some cases I have found the original C.D.s more satisfying certainly for all round balance of sound. Having said that I do like the remasters of "Broadsword" and "Brick" . By far the worst is surely "Under Wraps" with its even more exagerated pretend Bass drum thumping away!You know in this modern age it out to be possible to buy a favorite album in a sort of "Kit" form to remix and remaster to your own taste! I think some of us would love that??

Post by tullist on Jul 12, 2012 22:07:19 GMT

I love that Bernie. Not a connection I ever thought to make. To the extent I got a mental image of it at all at the time it was in reference to the old Phi Zappa Krappa poster of 5or 6 years earlier, which holds much less water than your assessment.Absolutely part of his appeal to me back then and now, though in part because such groupies as I had seen were eminently easy to pass on.

Post by maddogfagin on Dec 10, 2012 12:02:03 GMT

In my mind, 2012 has been the year of the remaster. Many high quality exhumations and restorations. I came in to this one having read dreadful things about it from the online community. Quite a bit of hate for it out there. I have no clue what is causing such bile, as this new remaster / remix sounds warm, fresh, and solid.

This is another Steven Wilson (of Porcupine Tree fame) remaster and remix. The package I have has a book, a CD, and a DVD. The CD has the new 2012 remix. The DVD has that stereo mix, a 5.1 mix, and a flat transfer of the original mix. The book has the original newspaper, interviews, and photos galore. I chuckled as I looked at some fine vintage photos of Tull shot by Robert Ellis, as Ellis expressed his disdain for this album in a book he put out several decades ago.

Back to the album. Wilson's new mix is not radically different in any way. It has nice little reveals: a piano bit you might not have noticed before, a bit of extra acoustic. Nothing to distract from the Thick As A Brick I grew up with. Huge gains in clarity without losing any warmth. Tweezerboy purists have the flat transfer that is included on the DVD to rock themselves to sleep. The rest of us have much to celebrate. By the way - where the hell was Biggles?

What I'm reviewing here is the 2 CD edition of this 40th anniversary Aqualung remix / remaster. I know that there's a multi-disc-including-vinyl-and-part-of-Ian-Anderson's-left-pinky edition out there for major bucks. You don't need it. It exists to eat your money and laugh at you. It is also smells, is haunted and cursed, so do not buy it. Buy this version. It loves you and is fat free.

The new stereo mixes here are by Porcupine Tree's Steven (Wing-a-ding) Wilson. Wilson's remixes are gently refocused here and there. If you've listened to Aqualung for decades, this is not going to shock or offend the purist in you.Look at it as removing layers of grime off of a shiny thingie. Instruments still sit in the mix where they ought to. Everything is clearer; deeper. Wilson understands and respects the recordings as well as the listener.

Disc 2 features other recordings of the period given the same loving treatment. Just Trying To Be and Life Is A Long Song, as well as early versions of My God and Wind Up are just a few of the 14 tracks here. After 4 decades, Aqualung shines brightly. Still a work of power, even stronger as it sits on a brand new park bench.

Jethro Tull - Nothing Is Easy: Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970 (Eagle Records)

The sounds of 1970. Jethro Tull were a very dangerous band in 1970, as this CD documents. Bassist Glen Cornick would soon leave, to be replaced by that wonderful loony Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond for the Aqualung album. If you have ever been curious how that album might have sounded with Cornick, listen to the early version of "My God" on this disc - it's an awesome brute of a thing!

Ian Anderson is in top voice on "My Sunday Feeling," "With You There To Help Me," and "Nothing Is Easy." The band just rips. The sound quality is pretty darn decent - it certainly doesn't sound like a contemporary recording, but it really shouldn't. It's marvelous for a show of this vintage. This Isle Of Wight show is like a comfortable coat: warm and toasty and just what you need on a cold night.

Jethro Tull - Living With The Past (Fuel2000)

"You're never too old to rock and roll if you're too young to die." The quote comes from a Tull song and this CD proves the lyric true. This is a collection of mostly recent live performances (with a few from 1989) of a wide variety of Tull pieces. The band are just blisteringly vicious on "My Sunday Feeling" and "Sweet Dream." "Jack-In-The-Green" is outright magical. Ian Anderson is in the best voice he's been in years on this disc.

The selection of songs is tasty, with "Life Is A Long Song" and "Mother Goose" sitting beside tried & true numbers like "Living In The past." The original Tull line-up reunites on here for 1 tune - a brilliant take of "Some Day The Sun Won't Shine For You" that packs a massive punch. Young bands should hide in fear when these guys come to town! Time has not slowed the ass-kicking brilliance of this band.

Jethro Tull - Under Wraps (EMI)

Ask most any Tull fan which albums they like the least and you'll most always hear Too Old To Rock & Roll..., and Under Wraps. Listening to this spiffy remaster, it's certainly not because of the writing - Later That Same Evening, European Legacy, and the title cut (both the electric & acoustic versions) are as strong as anything in the Tull catalog. Nor is it the playing - Dave Pegg offers some harrowingly complex bass playing, Martin Barre is on fire, and Ian Anderson's vocals & flute work are beyond solid.

So what is it then? 2 things, I think. #1 - Peter John Vettese's keyboards are very 80s sounding in places & almost overwhelming. #2 - Plastic sounding electric drums. They lack the push, punch, & subtlety that Doane Perry brought to the songs on the tour for this album. Is this the low point of Tull's career? Hardly. That honor goes to Marjoe Gortner singing a song off of Aqualung on some TV crime drama in the mid 70s. Lots of great songs here! The remaster even includes the video for Lap Of Luxury for good measure!

Jethro Tull - Stormwatch (Capitol / Chrysalis)

"Stormwatch" has always been a sort of dark gem in the Tull catalogue. Following the country gentleman musings of the lush "Heavy Horses," "Stormwatch" was dense and slightly menacing. It also suffered from one of the worst transfers of all Tull CDs, rivaled only by the dismal sonic flatbread of "Broadsword And The Beast."

This new remaster not only throws in 4 bonus tracks, but it actually sounds nothing short of fantastic. "Something's On The Move" and "Orion" are brought back to life. "Dun Ringill" has a sonic depth to match its poetic beauty at last. "A Stitch In Time," "Crossword," "Kelpie," and "King Henry's Madrigal" are nice additional tracks rounding out the package. Now how about getting to "Broadsword"?

Jethro Tull - Bursting Out (Capitol / Chrysalis)

For years, if you wanted this double live CD intact, you had to buy it from Europe. This remaster corrects that situation and pumps up the audio quality to boot. "Bursting Out" captures Tull on their "Heavy Horses" tour and at the height of their success. Songs you'd kill to hear nowadays like "One Brown Mouse" and "No Lullaby" sound brisk and powerful.

The remaster makes the performances shine by and large, though a bit trebly. It also brings to the fore something I'd never noticed much over the years: alot of the vocals are doubled in the studio on this one. To the point of being a bit annoying, to be honest. I don't know if it was Ian Anderson's idea or the record company's at the time. It just should've never happened. That caveat aside, this album has never sounded so good. Pick it up and crank it LOUD! A perfect prog album for parties!

Jethro Tull - Warchild (Chrysalis/EMI)

When this album came out in 1974, it was a bit of a disappointment to some Tull fans looking for yet another continuous piece of music as "Thick As A Brick" & "Passion Play" were before it. Warchild was Tull's return to individual songs and stands to this day as one of the band's strongest albums.

The remaster reveals a dazzling recording that's a veritable sonic playground of flute, sax, glockenspeil, acoustic guitar, strings, and percussion. Every note has a newfound depth & clarity making songs like "Sealion" and "Only Solitaire" shine. The disc includes 7 bonus tracks including the previously unreleased "Warchild Waltz." As good as it gets.

Jethro Tull - A Passion Play (Chrysalis/EMI)

Yes, that album! Reviled by critics, revered by fans, ignored by the band, A Passion Play is an album that offers no middle ground - you love it or you hate it. I fall into the former category. After decades of listening to this album, my ears are pretty fine tuned to its nuances.

The acoustic guitars sound brighter & more resonant; the bottom end of the bass and drums have much greater depth without getting mushy. The vocals are clean and clear. The recording shows no signs of being 30 years old. The remaster includes the original video for "The Hare Who Lost His Spectacles" as a bonus. If you don't own this yet, shame on you!

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention” ― Kahlil Gibran

rabey: Thanks for the interest. Unfortunately because Ian/Tull is doing his own book when I sent a request to find John I got stonewalled, even though I have a signed contract by Ian from 2013 stating I was doing a DVD version of The book. I also have had troubleMay 7, 2019 23:11:47 GMT

rabey: I guess after 5 years Ian forgot this even existed. Imean, he never even listed my book with all the other books that have been out of print for decades, yet mine and Tim S still have books in print and we're not mentioned.May 7, 2019 23:13:11 GMT

rabey: I just get the impression that this AND having just dealt with Tull are all they care about really and it peeves me when the truth is when I first got my original contract with a US publisher to write the book with quotes on 3 other books on ELP,Crimson,May 7, 2019 23:21:53 GMT

rabey: and YES, I contacted both Martin and Dave from AND and offered involvement in writing and photography. but Dave said no interest and martin was happy to get his photos printed just for credit. Later Daves book arrived and martin wanted 100 bucks a shot.May 7, 2019 23:25:00 GMT

rabey: Anyway, The publisher refused the cost of photos, Martin wrote the only negative review of the book in print except for Amazon where a few stinkers stalled it's movement, but basically there was nothing advertising the book outside the UK. May 7, 2019 23:29:01 GMT